Women & Family Services Advocate

Huron Women's Shelter; Goderich; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused support organization in Goderich, Ontario, is seeking a Women & Family Services Advocate to provide direct support in their Emergency Shelter Program. This full-time role involves assisting women and families impacted by gender-based violence, ensuring safety, and facilitating access to critical resources. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Social Work or a related field and a passion for advocacy and support. Shift work is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in social services, preferably in GBV services.
• Training in BSafer risk assessment or equivalent is an asset.
• Fluency in additional languages is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional support and crisis intervention to women and families.
• Respond to calls on the crisis and support line.
• Ensure the shelter is a safe and welcoming space.

Skills

Advocacy

Risk assessment

Safety planning

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work, Women’s Studies or related field

Job description

Women & Family Services Advocate – Emergency Shelter Program

Huron Women’s Shelter is seeking a Women & Family Services Advocate (WFSA) to provide direct services and support within our Emergency Shelter Program.

ABOUT US

At Huron Women’s Shelter, we provide emergency shelter, a second-stage program with residential component, counselling, children's programs, and wrap-around support to women and families impacted by gender-based violence. Grounded in feminist, gender-based analysis (GBA+), and trauma and violence-informed (TVI) frameworks, our work is deeply relational, client-centered, and rooted in community partnerships. We are also intentional about creating a collaborative and professional work environment that is healthy, transparent, and aligned with our values.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Women & Family Services Advocate, you will play a vital role in providing direct support to women and families residing in our emergency shelter. You will promote safety and build therapeutic relationships, ensure access to critical resources, assist with system navigation and support advocacy.

You are responsible for responding to our 24-hour crisis and support line while supporting the overall operations of our 24/7 residential emergency shelter program. Your work will directly contribute to fostering a compassionate and safe environment for healing and transition.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct Client Support: Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, advocacy, case planning, and referrals to women and families in the shelter.
• Crisis & Support Line: Respond to calls, offering emotional support, facilitate risk assessments and safety planning, provide referrals and information on available resources.
• Shelter Environment & Operations: Ensure the shelter remains a safe, welcoming space by supporting daily operations, maintaining resources, and helping with essential tasks such as preparing rooms, cleaning, meal preparation, and childcare/caregiver support.
• System Navigation & Advocacy: Assist women in navigating housing, legal, and social service systems, including completing applications and referrals for external supports.
• Transition Support: Support women as they transition from shelter to new housing, updating risk assessments and safety plans to ensure ongoing security.
• Community Collaboration: Liaise with justice partners, community organizations, and service providers to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
• Case Documentation & Reporting: Maintain clear and accurate case notes, ensure compliance with reporting requirements, and follow proper incident reporting protocols.
• Team Collaboration & Leadership: Participate in program meetings, wrap arounds and case reviews to enhance service coordination. Model positive relationship-building and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.

** A detailed role and responsibility document will be given to candidates offered an interview.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

You are a compassionate, skilled professional committed to feminist practices. With a deep understanding of gender-based violence, you are a grounded presence in a crisis environment, adaptable, collaborative, and you thrive in environments that foster leadership, shared responsibility, and a positive, professional culture.

Qualifications & Skills

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work, Women’s Studies, or related field (or equivalent Social Service Worker Diploma with relevant experience).
• Minimum two years of experience in social services (experience in GBV services and residential settings is an asset).
• Training in BSafer risk assessment or equivalent (an asset)
• Strong advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning, and case management skills.
• Ability to facilitate courageous conversations with professionalism and empathy.
• Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications and client documentation.
• Valid driver’s license, and appropriate insurance.
• Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
• Certifications in CPR/First Aid (ASIST, CPI an asset).
• Fluency in additional languages is considered an asset.

LOCATION AND HOURS OF WORK

The Women & Family Services Advocate role is a full-time position, working from our office located at 376 Huron Rd. Goderich ON. This role will require shift work, rotating through days, afternoons, nights.

If this opportunity looks like a good fit for you, we would love to hear from you!

Please send your cover letter and resume to [e-mail] before Friday, August 22, 2025 at 12:00am.

HWS is an equal opportunity employer and as such we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our business goals.

We thank all those interested in the position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00-$27.00 per hour

Work Location: In person